My Heart Remembers Differently

BEST LAID PLANS

Harry and I met at the Three Broomsticks on Saturday afternoon, but were surrounded by Hogwarts students and a few professors.  Our discussion and the appearance of being "together" remained as quiet as it had the day before.  Most people looking on would have seen a familiarity in two friends enjoying a butterbeer with no conversation except about school. 

To say the least, both of us felt frustrated. 

"Shall we get out of here?"  Harry asked after our second drink was drained and more familiar faces started filling the small pub.  I nodded and we headed out into the cool autumn day.  There was a lot of activity in town.  We started to head towards the road to the shrieking shack, but found it to be filled with curious younger witch and wizards.  "How about we go back to the castle?"  Harry asked. 

"I think that is our only choice."  I said wishing I could slide my cold hand into his.  I didn't.  There were too many prying eyes and we had not discussed how we would go about going public with our relationship.  So we walked slowly enjoying the weak sunshine and shivering at the occasional cold blast of wind.

"I think we can actually talk without anyone hearing us on our walk, but just to insure that:  Muffilato!"  Harry cast the spell that would allow only us to hear our conversation.  "Why didn't I think of that in the Three Broomsticks?"  He asked himself more than me.  I giggled.

"Are you ready for us to not have to hide, Harry?"  I asked and snuck a peek at his face.  He looked at me with a worried expression.

"Aren't you?  We decided not to tell anyone during the war, Hermione.  We both agreed that telling Ron or Ginny may be a distraction that neither of them could afford during that time.  The war, as they know it, is over.  Ron will always be a friend, but his feelings and pride does not dictate the decisions for my life and future.  You are my future, Hermione."  Harry said softly.  I felt my breath catch in my chest.  I really wanted to fling myself at him and kiss him until he and I both were breathless, but I found the strength to restrain myself. 

"Ginny still considers you hers."  I remind him.  Ginny had been furious when Harry had told her that he had made plans to meet me for a drink this afternoon and couldn't meet her at Honeydukes.  I am a little worried about Ginny's state of mind.  She seems different this year.  A little unbalanced in her way of assessing situations.  To me, she is not the same person.  I suppose war has changed us all.

"I know that this is going to be a big problem for her, Hermione, but Ginny is so different since the war.  Despite her immature obsession with my fame, she took the break up well before you, Ron and I went into hiding.  I thought she understood that we were not meant to be.  Seamus told me that during the school year last year, he thought that she and Dean would get back together a few times, but nothing came from it.  Of course, last year at Hogwarts didn't make people think of romance very much, I suppose."  He shrugged.  I looked up at him with an arched eyebrow.  Harry flushed and then smiled at me.  "For some."  I could see the same longing in his eyes as I felt in my whole body to be alone and to be held by him.

"Race you to the castle."  I said suddenly.  I started running and the last half mile of the walk was finished in record time and Harry followed me up the stairs to my dorm.  I had seen Draco earlier skulking around Hogsmeade Village, so I am hoping for a few minutes of quiet, uninterrupted time with Harry where we can talk and be alone.

I give the password and Professor Dinkleton glared at me and then glared at Harry, but he unlocked the dorm.  I walked in backwards and pulled Harry in after me.  Harry was smiling at me as the door closed behind us and I moved towards him intent on the kiss we both had been wanting all day long.